Hundreds of hockey players, coaches and families attended a "Celebration of Life" game on Saturday, making the first event for the Big "E" Foundation a huge success.

Hockey players of all ages skated in honor of Ian Jenkins, all wearing the #35 jersey touting the "Have a Purpose" motto Ian followed throughout his life. Players from many local hockey teams as well as hockey teams from Ontario and California took part in hockey games that were spread out over a 4-hour period.

Ian's father, Joel Jenkins, took to the ice for pre-game ceremonies in Ian's goalie gear even allowing his son, Garrett, to take a shot on him in net. Also on the ice for opening ceremonies were Ian's mother, Gloria Montesanto, and siblings Lester, Garrett and Cassidy. Cassidy received a special gift (see below) from the London Knights as her birthday was on the day the accident occurred.

Ian's brother's Garrett and Lester took part in the opening ceremonies by taking the first face-off.

The first game featured two teams entirely made up of goalies.

The next game featured players from the birth year '92 and older. Some of the players participating were OHL goaltenders Brandon Hope of the Sarnia Sting, Jack Campbell of the Windsor Spitfires and Mike Houser of the London Knights, and Michigan State defenseman Torey Krug.

Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock, goaltender Chris Osgood, legend Ted Lindsay, Jason Bacashihua from Lake Erie Monsters were a few who donated their time signing autographs to help raise money for the foundation.

Big "E" merchandise such as jerseys, hoodies, t-shirts and hats were sold with proceeds going to the foundation. Some of the merchandise is available for purchase now by clicking on Shop from the menu. More items will be available soon.

A big thank you to Mike Hamilton and everyone who took the time to make this event a success. It was a "team" effort and couldn't of happened without all of you.